Best Cushioning Running Shoes
The shoes for sale rated highest for cushioning by real, experienced, and knowledgeable reviewers.
All shoes
148 shoes · page 3 of 7 · includes daily trainers, supershoes, racing shoes, trail shoes and track spikes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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#49 New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v589 Good Cushioning · 7 reviews · Confidence 87/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 6.3 oz · 6mm drop
Light at 6.9 oz on a 35mm heel stack.
Overall 89 Comfort 95$137 $145 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall89Comfort95Value91Cushioning89Appearance76Durability57Confidence87Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $145Dick's $145MSRP $145
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Pros
Light at 6.9 oz on a 35mm heel stack.
Reviewers describe a springy ride that works at easy and uptempo paces.
Wide widths are available, and one reviewer with a wide forefoot found room in them.
Cons
Durability draws the lowest ratings of any dimension at 3.4 out of 5, and one reviewer gets 220 to 250 miles before the foam goes.
Two of seven reviewers find it too soft to feel steady at fast paces.
Reviewers rate it below the Rebel v4 it replaces, which scores 99 on thirty-eight reviews.
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#50 PUMA
Velocity Nitro 489 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 62/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers so far rate durability 5 out of 5, and one calls it plush, responsive and grippy.
Overall 89 Comfort 83$98 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall89Value96Cushioning89Appearance88Durability88Comfort83Confidence62Pros
Both reviewers so far rate durability 5 out of 5, and one calls it plush, responsive and grippy.
It lists at $140, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
Appearance draws the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, at 4.0 out of 5.
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#51 Brooks
Ghost 1688 Good Cushioning · 38 reviews · Confidence 97/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.9 oz · 12mm drop · 36mm stack
Reviewers report long tread life, some past 400 miles.
Overall 88 Comfort 96$95 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:31 AM UTCOverall88Durability98Comfort96Value93Cushioning88Appearance77Confidence97Pros
Reviewers report long tread life, some past 400 miles.
Runners describe a middle-ground ride, neither too soft nor firm.
Reviewers find it comfortable for daily and marathon training miles.
Cons
Some reviewers find the toe box tighter than earlier Ghosts.
One reviewer calls the colorways ugly, and appearance is its lowest-rated dimension.
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#52 Brooks
Ghost 1788 Good Cushioning · 8 reviews · Confidence 89/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.5 oz · 10mm drop · 37mm stack
Two of eight reviewers call it soft and comfortable without the feel of a max-cushion shoe.
Overall 88 Comfort 95$110 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall88Durability97Comfort95Cushioning88Value84Appearance71Confidence89Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $110 27% offDick's $110 27% offMSRP $150
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Pros
Two of eight reviewers call it soft and comfortable without the feel of a max-cushion shoe.
One reviewer got about 400 miles from a pair before replacing them.
One reviewer uses it for easy runs and two or three track workouts a week.
Cons
The Ghost 16 before it scores 97 on thirty-eight reviews, against 89 here on eight.
Cushioning and appearance draw the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 4.1 out of 5.
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#53 On
Cloudmonster 3 Hyper88 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 80/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral
Both reviewers so far rate durability 5 out of 5.
Overall 88 Comfort 82Overall88Appearance91Cushioning88Durability84Comfort82Value65Confidence80Pros
Both reviewers so far rate durability 5 out of 5.
Cons
It lists at $220, above the $180 median for speed shoes, and one of two reviewers rates value 3 out of 5.
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#54 On
Cloudmonster 388 Good Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 80/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.5 oz · 6mm drop · 35mm stack
One of five reviewers describes a bouncy ride with good energy return on easy runs.
Overall 88 Comfort 85$170 $190 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall88Appearance96Cushioning88Comfort85Durability79Value59Confidence80Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $190Dick's $190MSRP $190
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Pros
One of five reviewers describes a bouncy ride with good energy return on easy runs.
Overall ratings average 4.8 out of 5 across five reviewers.
One reviewer says the redesigned cushioning improves on the Cloudmonster 2 and no longer squeaks.
Cons
Value draws the lowest ratings of any dimension at 3.5 out of 5, and one reviewer calls the $190 list price high.
One of five reviewers finds it less comfortable past about ten miles.
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#55 On
Cloudsurfer Max88 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 78/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 10.3 oz (men's) · 5mm drop · 37mm stack
The one reviewer so far, at 50 miles a week, rates durability and appearance 5 out of 5 and calls it a workhorse for everything from cooldowns to light tempo.
Overall 88 Comfort 82Overall88Appearance95Cushioning88Durability84Comfort82Value67Confidence78Pros
The one reviewer so far, at 50 miles a week, rates durability and appearance 5 out of 5 and calls it a workhorse for everything from cooldowns to light tempo.
A 37mm heel stack with a 5mm drop, at 10.3 oz.
Cons
At 10.3 oz it sits in the heavy weight band, and it lists at $180, above the $150 median for daily trainers.
The one reviewer so far rates value 3 out of 5.
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#56 Saucony
Hurricane 2688 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 39/100
Daily trainer · Stability
Both reviewers so far rate comfort, durability and value 5 out of 5.
Overall 88 Comfort 80Overall88Cushioning88Durability87Comfort80Value72Appearance65Confidence39Pros
Both reviewers so far rate comfort, durability and value 5 out of 5.
One reviewer uses it for race-day long runs.
Cons
One reviewer finds the toe box narrow and recommends the wide version.
Appearance draws 3.0 out of 5 in the two reviews so far, the lowest mark of any dimension.
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#57 Nike
Structure 2587 Good Cushioning · 17 reviews · Confidence 91/100
Daily trainer · Stability · 10mm drop
Durability is the highest-rated dimension across seventeen reviewers at 4.8 out of 5, and one reviewer 400 miles in reports little wear.
Overall 87 Comfort 78$92 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:31 AM UTCOverall87Durability99Value98Appearance97Cushioning87Comfort78Confidence91Pros
Durability is the highest-rated dimension across seventeen reviewers at 4.8 out of 5, and one reviewer 400 miles in reports little wear.
One reviewer describes a higher stack of softer, springier foam than any previous Structure.
Value also rates 4.8 out of 5, and one reviewer calls it one of the best trainers on the market for the money.
Cons
Two of seventeen reviewers find it stiff or clunky for faster tempo work.
One reviewer found the forefoot air pocket made the toes curl until it flattened out.
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#58 Skechers
Aero Razor87 Good Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 79/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral · 6.3 oz
Comfort is the highest-rated dimension across five reviewers, at 4.4 out of 5, and two of them call the fit comfortable.
Overall 87 Comfort 82$91 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall87Cushioning87Value86Comfort82Appearance74Durability71Confidence79Pros
Comfort is the highest-rated dimension across five reviewers, at 4.4 out of 5, and two of them call the fit comfortable.
One reviewer running 80 miles a week calls it low to the ground and fast for speed workouts.
All five reviewers so far rate it 4 or 5 out of 5 overall.
Cons
Cushioning draws the lowest ratings of any dimension across five reviewers, at 3.8 out of 5, and one calls it a simpler shoe that sits low to the ground.
Value ratings split, running from two 5s down to a 1.
One of five reviewers finds the fit too big.
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#59 On
Cloudboom Strike87 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 73/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.1 oz (men's) · 4mm drop
Light at 6.1 oz on a 43mm heel stack.
Overall 87 Comfort 81$160 $280 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall87Appearance90Cushioning87Durability83Comfort81Value68Confidence73Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $220 21% offDick's $280MSRP $280
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Pros
Light at 6.1 oz on a 43mm heel stack.
The one reviewer so far ran long runs in it and calls the cushioning great.
Cons
It lists at $280, above the $250 median for racing shoes, and the one reviewer so far rates appearance 3 out of 5.
At 43mm the stack sits above the 40mm World Athletics limit, so it is not eligible for records in official road races.
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#60 On
LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper87 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 69/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall and for comfort.
Overall 87 Comfort 86Overall87Appearance91Cushioning87Comfort86Durability78Value72Confidence69Pros
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall and for comfort.
Cons
It lists at $280, well above the $180 median for speed shoes, and the one reviewer so far rates cushioning, durability and appearance 4 out of 5.
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#61 Saucony
Hurricane 2587 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 39/100
Daily trainer · Stability
The one reviewer so far rates the cushioning 5 out of 5.
Overall 87 Comfort 74$90 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall87Cushioning87Durability77Comfort74Value65Appearance62Confidence39Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $135 21% offDick's $170MSRP $170
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Pros
The one reviewer so far rates the cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
That reviewer rates durability and looks 3 out of 5.
The Hurricane 24 before it scores 75 and the Hurricane 26 after it 79 on two reviews, against 68 for this version.
It lists at $170, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#62 Saucony
Endorphin Pro 486 Good Cushioning · 14 reviews · Confidence 91/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.5 oz · 7mm drop · 40mm stack
At 6.5 oz, reviewers find it fast and responsive at speed.
Overall 86 Comfort 88$126 $240 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall86Appearance97Value96Comfort88Cushioning86Durability78Confidence91Pros
At 6.5 oz, reviewers find it fast and responsive at speed.
Reviewers consider it good value next to other carbon-plated racers.
Cons
One reviewer's heel layer peeled before 100 miles, and durability is the lowest-rated dimension.
Some reviewers find the fit runs small.
Three of fourteen reviewers reported an injury while running in it.
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#63 New Balance
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v386 Good Cushioning · 7 reviews · Confidence 81/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral · 4.6 oz · 6mm drop
Light at 8.2 oz with a 41mm heel stack.
Overall 86 Comfort 75$109 $190 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall86Cushioning86Appearance82Comfort75Durability69Value63Confidence81Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $125 34% offDick's $190MSRP $190
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Pros
Light at 8.2 oz with a 41mm heel stack.
Reviewers describe a roomy, boxy toe box.
Reviewers find it comfortable, one using it for distance and speedwork.
Cons
The SuperComp Trainer v1 and v2 score 97 and 98 against its 79.
Value draws the lowest ratings of the seven reviews so far, at 3.7 out of 5.
One reviewer had to cut and modify the laces to make it comfortable, and another found the wide fit not really wide through the midfoot.
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#64 Brooks
Hyperion Max 386 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 70/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral
One of two reviewers so far calls it fun and fast, suited to easy runs through workouts.
Overall 86 Comfort 79$109 $200 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall86Cushioning86Value86Durability83Comfort79Appearance77Confidence70Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $150 25% offDick's $150 25% offMSRP $200
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Pros
One of two reviewers so far calls it fun and fast, suited to easy runs through workouts.
Both reviewers so far rate it 5 out of 5 overall.
The two Hyperion Max versions before it score 98 and 97.
Cons
Cushioning and durability draw the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, both at 4.0 out of 5.
It lists at $200, above the $180 median for shoes built for speed.
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#65 New Balance
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v386 Good Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 68/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.5 oz · 4mm drop · 40mm stack
One reviewer calls it the best shoe for intervals and affordable next to other race shoes.
Overall 86 Comfort 86$153 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall86Comfort86Cushioning86Durability77Value76Appearance75Confidence68Buy it now
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Pros
One reviewer calls it the best shoe for intervals and affordable next to other race shoes.
All three reviewers so far rate value 4 or 5 out of 5.
All three reviewers so far rate durability 4 or 5 out of 5.
Cons
Averaging 7.5 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 6.6 oz median for racing shoes on sale.
Two newer versions have followed it, and the SuperComp Elite v5 is on sale now.
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#66 ASICS
GlideRide Max 286 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 36/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The GlideRide Max before it scores 90 on six reviews.
Overall 86 Comfort 87Overall86Comfort87Cushioning86Durability75Appearance70Value70Confidence36Pros
The GlideRide Max before it scores 90 on six reviews.
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall and for comfort.
Cons
Cushioning, durability and value each draw 4 out of 5 in the single review so far.
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#67 Salomon
Aero Glide 486 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 31/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far calls it light for its class, with great shock absorption and energy return.
Overall 86 Comfort 85Overall86Appearance90Cushioning86Durability85Comfort85Value75Confidence31Pros
The one reviewer so far calls it light for its class, with great shock absorption and energy return.
The three Aero Glide versions before it score 84 to 87.
Cons
Durability and value are the only marks below 5 in the single review so far, both at 4 out of 5.
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#68 Nike
Journey Run85 Good Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 85/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One of three reviewers so far describes cushioning like pillows, with almost no ground strike reaching the feet.
Overall 85 Comfort 74$60 $95 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall85Appearance90Cushioning85Value76Comfort74Durability71Confidence85Buy it now
Other retailers
Nike $83 13% offDick's $95MSRP $95
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Pros
One of three reviewers so far describes cushioning like pillows, with almost no ground strike reaching the feet.
It lists at $95, well below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
All three reviewers so far rate it 5 out of 5 overall.
Cons
One of three reviewers rates durability and value 3 out of 5 and liked their previous shoe better.
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#69 Brooks
Launch 1185 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 81/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The Launch 10 it follows scores 99 on twelve reviews.
Overall 85 Comfort 93$84 $120 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall85Value98Comfort93Cushioning85Durability82Appearance76Confidence81Pros
The Launch 10 it follows scores 99 on twelve reviews.
It lists at $120, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
The single review so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall.
Cons
Scores across the Launch line have ranged from 71 to 99.
Durability and appearance are the only marks below 5 in the single review so far, both at 4 out of 5.
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#70 ASICS
GT-1000 1485 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 73/100
Daily trainer · Stability
It lists at $115, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Overall 85 Comfort 70$80 $115 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall85Value89Durability86Cushioning85Comfort70Appearance61Confidence73Pros
It lists at $115, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
The fourteenth version of a stability line ASICS has updated nearly every year since 2012.
Cons
The GT-1000 15 arrives in 2026, so this is no longer the current version.
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#71 Altra
Experience Flow 385 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 35/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall, for comfort and for cushioning.
Overall 85 Comfort 87$135 $145 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall85Comfort87Cushioning85Value71Durability67Appearance62Confidence35Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $145Dick's $145MSRP $145
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall, for comfort and for cushioning.
Cons
Durability and value are the only marks below 5 in the single review so far, both at 4 out of 5.
The Experience Flow 2 before it scores 74 on one review.
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#72 HOKA
Skyflow84 Good Cushioning · 10 reviews · Confidence 88/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.9 oz · 5mm drop · 39mm stack
Cushioning averages 4.3 out of 5 across the ten reviewers so far, and three describe it as great or well padded in their own words.
Overall 84 Comfort 68Overall84Cushioning84Appearance76Durability72Comfort68Value57Confidence88Pros
Cushioning averages 4.3 out of 5 across the ten reviewers so far, and three describe it as great or well padded in their own words.
Two reviewers set it against the Clifton 9: one finds it lighter and more responsive, the other more bulky but still snappy.
Cons
Value averages 3.6 out of 5 across the ten reviewers so far, the weakest of its categories.
One reviewer finds it stiff and awkward through the midfoot and now wears it only for walking.
It lists at $160, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale, while its 8.9 oz weight and 39mm stack sit exactly on the category medians.
How this ranking works
Ratings come from our statistical models of runner reviews: the score is our best estimate of how a shoe is rated, and the bar behind it in an expanded row is the range we consider plausible given how many reviews it has. Shoes with few reviews rank more cautiously rather than shooting to the top on a handful of glowing write-ups. Prices are the live prices at the retailers we track, and everything ranked here is a shoe you can buy today.